Graphic to Accompany Press Release

The objective of my visual was to relay to potential viewers what they could expect from Channel 16. Channel 16 will have one, live anchor to introduce topics and announcements as featured above, unlike most local neighborhood channels that use Powerpoint-created graphics to briefly flash as introductions before recorded public meetings or other information. 

I chose to use the Bitstrips app to create a visual for the press release. Bitstrips is a popular application that allows users to feature themselves in comic-book-like situations. "Since January, the Toronto-based app has acquired 7.5 million Facebook users with 300,000 new comics being shared every day," and most users are between the ages of 18 and 24 (Lefavor, 2013). This is an important age group in the Nashua area since the City is looking to retain younger residents and get them more involved in the community.

This Bitstrips comic enhances the message of the press release by creating a news-like visual that emulates the channel's purpose. The mission of Channel 16 is also in the speaking bubble. Overall, the information is clean and simple and conveys the purpose of the community channel.

References

Lefavor, L. (2013). "Bitstrips comics explode onto Facebook." Retrieved from http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-04-29/entertainment/bs-ae-bitstrips-20130426_1_comics-app-facebook. 

Best Practices for a Blog

One of my absolute favorite blogs to follow is The Small Things Blog. It's written by a woman named, Kate, who loves everything hair, makeup, fashion, beauty products, etc. I originally stumbled on the blog through Pinterest; one of her hair tutorials was featured. I decided to actually try it, and by Jove! It worked!

For those who know me well enough, they'll agree when I say that I am challenged when it comes to styling my hair. I've mastered blow drying, and that's about it. Stick a curling iron in my hand, and I do a better job at covering my neck and forehead in burns than I do putting a perfect curlycue in my hair. 

Anyway, with the success of one tutorial, I decided to hunt for the blog from whence it came and try a few more. They weren't as successful, but I have been able to find some pretty solid advice on hair products and the like.

Kate's blog is very successful and has been featured in Real Simple and Carry magazines. She is also a contributor for Latest Hairstyles and has been featured on the Birchbox blog.

I think there are several factors that have contributed to her success--her passion for her craft for starters. However, the social media site, Pinterest, helped her reach more people and earn nearly 14,000 followers in just a few months. 

Think of Pinterest as a virtual bulletin board. "Based on the idea that many people have magazine clippings of their dream vacations, weight loss goals, or perfect weddings, Pinterest allows users to create "boards" and share content by uploading images, "pin" from other sites, or "re-pin" from other user boards (Schaefer, 2013). Pinterest has been the biggest contributor to her social media success, but Kate also incorporates widgets from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Kate is also careful about her self-promotion. Unlike some bloggers who will also repost all of their blog content somewhere else on the Internet, Kate will only post two hair pictures a week to her own boards on Pinterest. 

Something else that makes Kate so successful is that she posts new content frequently--almost everyday--and she talks about several of her interests and the big-to-do in her life right now, (she gives birth in about five weeks), not just about hair and beauty products.

Overall, Kate has a very successful blog, especially for someone who's interest isn't entirely in social media. She delivers a variety of information in a clear, easy-to-read format, and readers can follow her on several social media platforms. Kate has also been able to add to her credibility by being featured in some big-name magazines and on other popular blogs as a contributor.

References

Bryan, Kate. (2013). The Small Things Blog. Retrieved from http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/.

Schaefer, L. (2013). "Pinterest drives enormous blog and business success." Grow. Retrieved from http://www.businessesgrow.com/2012/01/23/pinterest-drives-enormous-blog-and-business-success/.

City of Nashua Announces New Channel 16 NASHUA, Nov. 11, 2013/Division of Public Works/- In an effort to better connect with residents, the City of Nashua is going to be utilizing local broadcast channel 16 to disseminate messages and announcements of varying importance. Channel 16 will be used as a means of daily communication with the residents of Nashua. Messages and announcements will be updated twice daily by the Division of Public Works' Citizen Services Coordinator, who will also act as an authenticator, ensuring message accuracy. The Citizen Services Coordinator will also help citizens to make sense of the information and how it may affect them. The City of Nashua is not the first municipality to pursue such a venture. Neighboring communities Merrimack, Milford and Manchester have been communicating to local residents through a local broadcast channel for several years with great success. Many of the residents in these communities have applauded the speed in which information is updated and the level of accuracy that accompanies it. What they have also come to appreciate is that the information is available on the town/city website, as well, not simply restricted to just the local channel. About Division of Public Works The Division of Public Works Administration Department supports the implementation of Nashua’s Public Works’ vision by ensuring each department is performing its required functions within its allocated budget. The Department collaborates to verify that the division is providing the best service to the taxpayers at the lowest possible cost. The main functions of this department are setting division direction and goals, payroll, insurance, workers compensation claims, pension, purchasing, improved business technologies and the overall budget. Contact: Allison Cote, Citizen Services Coordinator Division of Public Works Phone: 123-456-7890 cotea@cityofnashua.gov www.channel16.gov